ABSTRACT
In this first of four case story chapters, Ana, Penny, and Mary recount their personal stories about how they tried to find answers for the science-related questions that would help them understand their medical issues. Ana’s first pregnancy found her trying to understand the changes that would happen to her body and how she could best look after her own health and that of her unborn child. Penny’s sudden bouts of illness led her to search via various medical practitioners and the Internet for explanations so she could learn to cope with her ailment, thus far undiagnosed. When Mary’s daughter was born with Down Syndrome, she began a lifetime’s journey to understand this genetic condition and what she could do to assist her daughter’s physical development and education. The chapter provides commentary on these three learning journeys, noting the significance of doctor–patient relationships and the influence of significant others. The chapter concludes with a synthesis and assessment of the value of the learning resources accessed.
